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4 clusters · 10 sources · 21 days · First seen · Last updated

Darren Waller signs one-year deal with Carolina Panthers

Overview

Veteran tight end Darren Waller has officially signed a one-year deal with the Carolina Panthers. The 33-year-old free agent joins the roster following a 2025 season with the Miami Dolphins, where injuries to his pectoral and groin limited him to nine appearances and 283 receiving yards.

To finalize the move, the Panthers waived guard Joshua Grey and linebacker Nic Hampton, with Hampton receiving an injury settlement. Coach Dave Canales intends to utilize Waller’s versatility as both a tight end and a receiver to bolster red zone efficiency and provide a situational threat, addressing a unit that has lacked a high-volume pass catcher since the retirement of Greg Olsen.

As the Panthers finalized their 53-man roster, the team featured a deep rookie class. Most drafted rookies secured spots, including first-round pick Monroe Freeling, who is expected to occupy a starting position on the offensive line, and second-round pick Lee Hunter. Other notable additions include cornerback Will Lee III, center Sam Hecht, safety Zakee Wheatley, and seventh-round linebacker Jackson Kuwatch.

In a move that drew attention, Canales and general manager Dan Morgan opted to carry five tight ends: Waller, Ja’Tavion Sanders, Mitchell Evans, Feleipe Franks, and Tommy Tremble. While the specific game-day usage of this group is still being determined, the decision resulted in a leaner wide receiver group, leading to the release of veteran David Moore and preseason standout Ja’seem Reed.

Entities

Darren Waller · Carolina Panthers · Dave Canales · Miami Dolphins · Bryce Young

Timeline

  1. 10 days ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Carolina Panthers finalize 53-man roster with deep rookie class

    The Carolina Panthers have finalized their 53-man roster, highlighted by a strong rookie class and the decision to retain five tight ends for the upcoming season.

  2. 12 days ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Carolina Panthers finalize 53-man roster with tight end depth

    The Carolina Panthers have finalized their 53-man roster, prioritizing depth at tight end and running back while managing injuries to Jonathon Brooks and Darren Waller.

  3. 26 days ago

    [SPORTS] 3 sources
    Darren Waller signs with Carolina Panthers

    The Carolina Panthers have signed veteran tight end Darren Waller, aiming to enhance their passing game with his versatility and big-play ability.

  4. 30 days ago

    [SPORTS] 7 sources
    Darren Waller agrees to one-year deal with Carolina Panthers

    The Carolina Panthers have reportedly agreed to a one-year contract with veteran tight end Darren Waller to bolster their offense.

Sources

bleacherreport.com · deadspin.com · gulklud.dk · heavy.com · liveblog.wtop.com · newsday.com · nfltraderumors.co · profootballrumors.com · si.com · theathletic.com

This summary has been updated 2 times: see revision history